In all, 18 teams took part in the tournament held at BSP cricket fields in Mississauga-Brampton. It is organized by the Robin Singh Cricket Foundation and Sandeep Entertainments every year in memory of Danthala Meher Baba, the great cricket player from Andhra Pradesh in India.

In the final after 17 knock-out games as hundreds of spectators cheered them on, Robin Super–8 batted first and scored 116 in eight overs as Gary Garewal hit quick-fire 30 that included huge sixes. Syaf and Hamid chipped in with 25 and 21 runs respectively.

Trophies

In their chase, Cricket Hawks lost quick wickets even though their captain Dr. Bobby Baig tried to keep the momentum going by sensibly picking up the right balls to hit. But with Robin Super–8 skipper Arun Kumar picking up two wickets in the seventh over, it was all over for Cricket Hawks. Robin Super 8 won by 26 runs.

Srikanth Danthala, who scored 248 runs in the tournament with a century and 98, was adjudged the Player of the Tournament. Dr. Bobby Baig was adjudged the best batsman and Viren the best bowler.

Players ready to go into the field

Fahad and Nida Hauqe shared Super Sixes Challenge Trophy. “Team here for Beer” was adjudged the “Most entertaining and sportive team of the tournament” as their skipper Gokul Kamat received the trophy.

Dipika Damerla, MPP for Mississauga East Crooksville who was the chief guest, said, “I am very delighted to see the response and the way the tournament is held and enjoyed the finals a lot.’’ She said it’s a good idea to involve all the teams in a tournament like this which will be completed in one day with all the women and kids coming enjoying the event.

Damerla and Ellora Patnaik of Prosthodontic Associates presented trophies to the winners and runners-up of the tournament. Prosthodontic Associates also gave away gift hampers along with trophies to players.

Memento

Thanking the participating teams, Arun Kumar Layam, Director of the Robin Singh Cricket Foundation, said, “The tournament got tremendous response this year with 18 teams participating in the day-long event. The best part is that women and kids also joined the players in watching the games and enjoying the festive atmosphere at the grounds. The teams took their games seriously and many hard-fought games went to the last over and the last ball. Cricket Hawks fielded two teams with all players sporting colourful jerseys and providing their traditional sweet dish to all the players and the people who attended the game. Cricket Hawks team manager Abdul Munaff and Dr. Bobby Baig played a key role in organizing and creating this festive atmosphere.’’

Layam also thanked Dr. Bobby Baig of Prosthodontic Associates, Toronto, for being the main sponsor of the tournament. He also thanked Payal Banquet Hall, Curve IT and Popular Mortgages for sponsoring the tournament and making it a grand success, and gave special thanks to Nagendra, Prakash and Srihari for coordinating all the games.